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2,500 Jews Arrested in Bratislava; Many Face Deportation

November 7, 1938
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Reports from Bratislava, capital of autonomous Slovakia, said today that 2,500 Jews have been rounded up by the authorities. Early deportation was reportedly slated for those with improperly stamped Polish passed and those coming from areas just turned over to Hungary.

Anti-Semitic violence flared in Bratislava last night despite drastic precautions taken by the police. The city is separated only by the Danube from territory given the Reich by the Munich accord. Gleaming across the river was a huge, lighted swastika set up on the ruins of an old castle.

Police armed with truncheons patrolled the city in automobiles, scattering groups as fast as they formed. Civilians wearing swastika armbands stood at almost every street corner throughout the night. Many windows broken in recent disturbances have been boarded up or stuffed with rags. “Aryan” merchants stretched red, white and blue ribbons the Slovak colors across their storefronts.

Meanwhile, the Slovak authorities were taking vigorous action against Jewish elements who allegedly had adopted a hostile attitude toward the Slovak State and people during the period of negotiation which culminated in the Italo-German award to Hungary. Special police units were organized to check on the activities of these Jews, a number of whom are expected to be expelled.

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